Releasably attachable grip

ABSTRACT

A releasably attachable grip for a railing, grab bar, or pole, the railing, grab bar, or pole having an outer surface is disclosed. The grip comprises a body having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The grip also comprises a releasable adhesive disposed on the second side of the body. The releasable adhesive is configured to adhere to the outer surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S.Patent Application Serial No. 10/145,566, filed on May 13, 2002, and acontinuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. Patent Application Serial No.10/454,770, filed on Jun. 3, 2003, both are continuation-in-partapplications of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09/874,940, filed onJun. 4, 2001.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates to grips for hand railings or otherhand support systems, and more specifically, to grips that arereleasably adhered to railings or other hand support systems.

[0003] Hand railings are in use throughout the world to assist in humanactivity such as standing, sitting down, ascending and descending astairway, entering or exiting a moving vehicle or shower, walking, etc.Maintaining a secure, comfortable grip is extremely important whenoperating or using various hand-held apparatuses or, more importantly,simply for safety purposes when grasping any type of railing. Barerailings are used for hand supports by users, standing, or sitting, orwhile entering or exiting a vehicle. Bare railings, whether they areconstructed from any type of metal, plastic, wood, glass, concrete orcomposite material can be slippery, or coarse and inconvenient to holdonto with bare hands. Furthermore, uncovered railings located in movingvehicles such as subway train cars, light rail transit cars, transitbuses, trams, street cars, trolley cars, recreational vehicles, boats,etc., are unsafe when the vehicle is in motion and especially whenturning. Typically, such railings are cylindrical or another similarshape made for the human hand to grasp. Additionally, these railings areusually constructed from durable metal, such as stainless steel, but mayalso be constructed from wood or various other substances.

[0004] Such typical hand railings, however, do not provide a positivegripping surface, which would still further assist in the correspondinghuman activity associated with the hand railing. The grips to dateinvolve either railings with built in grips or grips that are, for themost part, permanently attached to the railings, while other grips arenot attached at all, rather they are easily removed and transferred frombar to bar.

[0005] To date, no grips have been designed which will conform to anyrailing surface or shape and which are releasably attachable to suchrailing surface. Hence, there is a need for a grip which will conform toany railing or grab bar and which will attach to any surface regardlessof the type of surface or type of material used as the grip and a gripthat is releasably attachable.

SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention is a method, system and device forproviding a secure, resilient gripping surface on a railing, surface,feature, grab-bar, or other hand support system. The grip of the presentinvention is designed to provide a secure, resilient gripping surface onany railing, surface, feature, grab bar, or hand support system surfacethat is grasped by a hand. The grip is preferably utilized on a railing,surface, feature, or other hand support system. However, it is readilyapparent that the grip could also be used on other structures, such assupport poles beams, and the like.

[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, a flexible grip isprovided which is easily secured to a railing, surface or hand supportsystem by folding the grip around the railing or hand support system.The grip may fully cover the railing or surface, feature, or it may beartfully folded or it may be partially or fully folded. The grip of thisinvention will provide a comfortable, resilient gripping surface whichwill enhance the safety of a railing, surface, feature, or hand supportsystem by preventing slipping, hand abrasions or other dangersassociated with railings, surfaces, or hand support systems.

[0008] In one aspect, the grip of the present invention comprises a skinlayer having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a four-waystretchable material layer having a top surface and a bottom surface.The top surface of the four-way stretchable material layer ispermanently adhered to the bottom surface of the skin layer. The bottomsurface of the four-way stretchable material layer is releasablyattached to the surface. That is, the material can be securely appliedto the surface, and can be removed easily in the future.

[0009] The skin layer may be formed from any material, which willprovide a safe and secure gripping surface. Some examples of possibleskin materials include expanded vinyl, which is vinyl with a layer offoam that imparts a soft, textured feel; leather; plastic sheeting;plastic roll stock; any type of foam product; polyurethane; polyester;felt; cloth; urethane; woven fabrics; rubber material; paper material;and foil material. Any of the previously mentioned materials can besupported or unsupported. Similarly, the four-way stretchable materialmay comprise any material that can be simultaneously stretched in fourdirections, such as a polyester material; an example is MYLAR®.

[0010] The grip of the present invention may have tapered edges on itslengthwise sides so that when the grip is coiled around a corner of arailing or other hand support system and the edges overlap, thethickness of the grip remains constant. As an alternative to folding thegrip such that the edges overlap, the grip may be folded so that theedges do not overlap, thus providing additional friction for the user.

[0011] In another feature of the present invention, the grip alsoinherently serves as an excellent insulator against hot and coldenvironments. For example, a metal railing in the winter is very coldand a person could potentially be harmed. The grip insulates against thecold and protects the user. In contrast, for example, in a hotenvironment, a metal railing could potentially burn a user. The gripinsulates against and protects the user from burns from a hot railing.

[0012] The grip of the present invention appeals to the sensoryperceptions of humans. The grip provides a surface with a texture,easily sensed through tactile sense, for easy recognition of the railingor pole and support for the user. The grip can provide visual cues(i.e., graphics or luminescence) to allow for easier visual recognitionof the railing or pole in dim or dark environments. The grip can alsohave integral with its body, a germ-killing agent to kill germs presenton the railing or pole. In some case, an odor element can be disposed onthe grip for triggering olfactory senses. For the sight-impaired, thegrip can also provide an audible feature (or a sound-emitting device) toenable the sight-impaired to determine a location relative to the grip.This can also be accomplished using Braille language symbols.

[0013] One method of manufacturing the grip of the present inventioncomprises providing a skin layer that has a top surface for gripping anda bottom surface to which a permanent adhesive applied. Next, a four-waystretchable material that has a top surface and a bottom surface ispermanently attached to the bottom surface of the skin layer. Finally,the bottom surface of the four-way stretchable material is releasablyadhered to the railing or surface.

[0014] Another method of manufacturing the grip of the present inventioncomprises providing a skin layer, which has a top surface for grippingand a bottom surface to which a permanent adhesive is applied.. Next, abacking layer is provided, which has a top surface and a bottom surface.The top surface of the backing layer is adhered to the bottom surface ofthe skin layer. Next, a four-way stretchable material layer with a topsurface and a bottom surface is permanently attached to the backinglayer by adhering the backing layer bottom surface to the four-waystretchable layer top surface. Finally, the four-way stretchablematerial is releasably adhered to the railing or surface.

[0015] The system of the present invention is designed for providing asecure, safe, releasably attachable grip on a railing or surface. Thesystem comprises a grip having a four-way stretchable layer with aninner surface and an outer surface and a skin layer with an innersurface and an outer surface, the inner surface of the skin layer isadhered to the outer surface of the four-way stretchable layer. Theinner surface of the four-way stretchable layer is releasably adhered tothe railing or surface.

[0016] Another system of the present invention is also designed forproviding a secure, safe, releasably attachable grip on a railing orsurface. The system comprises a grip having a backing layer with aninner surface and an outer surface and a skin layer with an innersurface and an outer surface, the inner surface of the skin layer isadhered to the outer surface of the backing layer. The bottom surface ofthe backing layer is permanently adhered to a four-way stretchable layerwith an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of thefour-way stretchable layer is releasably adhered to the railing orsurface.

[0017] As set forth above, the grip of the present invention may havetapered edges on its lengthwise sides so that when the grip is coiledaround a railing, surface or other hand support system and the edgesoverlap, the thickness of the grip remains constant. As an alternativeto coiling the grip such that the edges overlap, the grip may be coiledso that the edges do not overlap, thus providing additional friction forthe user.

[0018] One method of placing the grip of the present invention on thecorner or straight length of a railing or surface comprises providing arailing or surface and coiling the tapered edge grip of the presentinvention around the railing or surface such that the tapered edges ofthe grip overlap. The length of the railing or surface may be fullycovered by the grip such that the thickness of the grip remains constantor, in the alternative, the edges may not overlap to provide additionalfriction for the user.

[0019] Another method of placing the grip of the present invention on arailing or surface comprises providing a railing having a length andalignment targets in a parallel line along its length. Next, placing thegrip so that the center lengthwise axis of the grip is centered on theaxis parallel to the length of the railing or surface. The grip of thepresent invention can have alignment targets disposed along an axisparallel to the lengthwise edge of the grip and the grip folds aroundthe railing or surface such that the alignment targets of the grip alignwith the alignment targets of the railing or surface and the edges ofthe grip abut when folded around the railing or surface.

[0020] The grip of this invention will provide a positive grippingsurface for any type of railing or surface using any type of material asa grip and provide a safe, uniform gripping surface for the length ofthe railing's surface. Moreover, there is a need for a method ofmanufacturing for grips and a system for providing grips that arereleasably adhered to a railing, surface or hand support system.Finally, there is a need for a method of placing the grip of the presentinvention on to a railing, surface or other hand support system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Referring now to the figures, wherein like elements are numberedalike:

[0022]FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the grip;

[0023]FIG. 2 is perspective view of the grip of FIG. 1;

[0024]FIG. 3 is an embodiment of a grip having tapered edges;

[0025]FIG. 4A is a side view of another embodiment of the grip;

[0026]FIG. 4B is a side view of another embodiment of the grip;

[0027]FIG. 5 is perspective view of the grip of FIG. 4A;

[0028]FIG. 6 is an embodiment of a grip having tapered edges;

[0029]FIGS. 7A through 7C illustrates a method for the manufacture ofthe grip of FIG. 1;

[0030]FIGS. 8A through 8E illustrates a method for the manufacture ofthe grip of FIG. 4A;

[0031]FIG. 9 illustrates a method of folding the grip of FIG. 1;

[0032]FIG. 10 illustrates a method of folding the grip of FIG. 4A;

[0033]FIG. 11 illustrates a method of folding the grip of FIG. 1 or FIG.4A;

[0034]FIG. 12 illustrates a method of coiling the grip of FIG. 3 or FIG.6;

[0035]FIG. 13 illustrates the grip having light emitting meansincorporated within the grip;

[0036]FIG. 14 illustrates the grip having textured surfaces incorporatedwithin the grip;

[0037]FIG. 15 illustrates the grip having sound emitting meansincorporated within the grip;

[0038]FIG. 16 illustrates the grip having Braille language symbolsincorporated within the grip;

[0039]FIG. 17 illustrates the grip having visual cues incorporatedwithin the grip;

[0040]FIG. 18 illustrates the grip having antibacterial agentsincorporated within the grip; and

[0041]FIG. 19 illustrates the grip having a smelling elementincorporated within the grip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that thefollowing description is illustrative only and not in any way limiting.Other embodiments will readily suggest themselves to such skilledpersons.

[0043]FIG. 1 discloses grip 100 for use on a railing, grab bar, pole, orhand support system. Grip 100 has a skin layer (or body) 104 and afour-way stretchable layer 112. Skin layer 104 has a top surface 102,which provides a comfortable, secure and safe gripping surface.

[0044] Skin layer 104 can be formed from a variety of materials.Examples of such materials include expanded vinyl, which is vinyl with alayer of foam that imparts a soft, textured feel; leather; plasticsheeting; plastic roll stock; any type of foam product; polyurethane;polyester; urethane; woven fabrics; rubber material; foil material;paper material; or any other material which could act as a covering to ahand support system. Any material utilized may be supported orunsupported. If skin layer 104 is formed from expanded vinyl, the vinylsurface may be smooth or textured.

[0045] In yet another aspect of the present invention, skin layer 104 ofgrip 100 has a luminescent quality. The luminescent skin layer glows inthe dark to provide additional safety in cases of an emergency. Anymethods known in the art for creating luminescence may be used. Some ofthe methods applying luminescence to a grip include heat transferapplication processes, wet ink processes and sublimation ink processes.Skin layer 104 may have a thickness from about 0.5 millimeter to about6.25 millimeters.

[0046] Skin layer 104 has a bottom surface 106 which is affixed to thetop surface 110 of four-way stretchable material layer 112 by apermanent adhesive 108 that completely covers skin layer 104 from edgeto edge. The permanent adhesive 108 can be any permanent adhesive knownin the art which will permanently bond skin layer 104 to four-waystretchable material layer 112. An example of such a permanent adhesiveis FLEXCON® adhesive V-402. However, it will be clear to one skilled inthe art that other similar suitable adhesives may be used.

[0047] Four-way stretchable layer 112 has top surface 110 and a bottomsurface 114, such that top surface 110 of four-way stretchable layer 112conforms to and is permanently affixed to bottom surface 106 of skinlayer 104. Four-way stretchable layer 112 may be comprised of anymaterial that can simultaneously stretch in four directions, such aslycra, polyurethane, or a polyester material (e.g., MYLAR®). Bottomsurface 114 of four-way stretchable layer 112 is releasably attached tothe railing or hand support system by a layer of releasable adhesive116. Releasable adhesive 116 can completely cover from edge to edge andis affixed to four-way stretchable layer 112 and provides releasableadhesion to the railing or hand support system. Releasable adhesive 116provides secure adhesion to the railing or hand support system, but maybe removed with a minimal amount of effort by peeling grip 100 off therailing or hand support system. Any adhesive having the characteristicsof being secured to the railing as well as being easily removed can beutilized. Any acrylic-based adhesive, rubber-based adhesive, orsilicone-based adhesive can be utilized; a preferred example of areleasable adhesive is FLEXCON® V-58.

[0048] In one embodiment of grip 100 disclosed in FIG. 3, the lengthwiseedges of skin layer 104 and four-way stretchable layer 112 may betapered in thickness. FIG. 2 discloses a top view of grip 100. FIG. 3discloses an embodiment of a grip having tapered edges. Tapering theedges of skin layer 104 and four-way stretchable layer 112 allows forthe edges to overlap when coiling the grip around a corner (or otherappropriate surface) of a railing or hand support system and at the sametime to maintain a constant thickness of grip 100 despite theoverlapping edges. In another embodiment, the edges are tapered butcoiled in such a way that they do not overlap to provide still morefriction for the user. In still another embodiment, the lengthwise edgesof skin layer 104 and four-way stretchable layer 112 are not tapered forinstances when the edges do not overlap.

[0049]FIG. 4A discloses another embodiment of the present invention.Grip 200 has a skin layer 204, a backing layer 212 and a four-waystretchable layer 220. Skin layer 204 has a top surface 202, whichprovides a comfortable, secure and safe gripping surface. Skin layer 204can be formed from a variety of materials, as indicated above. In yetanother aspect of the present invention, skin layer 204 of grip 200 ofthe present invention can have a luminescent quality.

[0050] Skin layer 204 has a bottom surface 206 which is affixed to topsurface 210 of backing layer 212 by a permanent adhesive 208 whichcompletely covers bottom surface 214 backing layer 212 from edge toedge. The permanent adhesive 208 can be any permanent adhesive known inthe art that will permanently bond skin layer 204 to backing layer 212,as indicated above.

[0051] Backing layer 212 has a top surface 210 and a bottom surface 214,such that top surface 210 of backing layer 212 conforms to and isaffixed to bottom surface 206 of skin layer 204. Backing layer 212 maybe comprised of any material suitable for providing support includingopen cell foam, closed cell foam, felt, paper or rubber. Bottom surface214 of backing layer 212 is permanently adhered to the top surface 218of four-way stretchable material 220. The permanent adhesive attachingbottom surface 214 of backing layer 212 to top surface 218 of four-waystretchable material 220 can be any permanent adhesive known in the artwhich will permanently bond the surfaces, as indicated above. Four-waystretchable material 220 has the ability to stretch in all directionssimultaneously. An example of a four-way stretchable material is apolyester film such as MYLAR®. Bottom surface 222 of four-waystretchable layer 220 is releasably attached to the railing or handsupport system by releasable adhesive 224. Releasable adhesive 224 isaffixed to and completely covers four-way stretchable material 220 fromedge to edge and provides releasable adhesion to the railing or handsupport system. Releasable adhesive 224 provides secure adhesion to therailing or hand support system but may be removed with a minimal amountof effort by peeling grip 200 off the railing or hand support system.Any adhesive having the characteristics of being secured to the railingas well as being easily removed can be utilized. Any acrylic-basedadhesive, rubber-based adhesive, or silicone- based adhesive can beutilized; a preferred example of a releasable adhesive is FLEXCON® V-58.

[0052] In one embodiment of grip 200 disclosed in FIG. 4A, thelengthwise edges of skin layer 204, backing layer 212 and four-waystretchable layer 220 may be tapered in thickness. FIG. 5 discloses atop view of grip 200. FIG. 6 discloses an embodiment of a grip havingtapered edges. Tapering the edges of skin layer 204, backing layer 212and four-way stretchable layer 220 allows for the edges to overlaparound a corner (or other appropriate surface) of a railing or handsupport system and at the same time to maintain a constant thickness ofgrip 200 despite the overlapping edges. In another embodiment, the edgesare tapered but coiled in such a way that they do not overlap to providestill more friction for the user. In still another embodiment, thelengthwise edges of skin layer 204, backing layer 212 and four-waystretchable layer 220 are not tapered for instances when the edges donot overlap but a consistent thickness of grip is desired.

[0053]FIG. 4B illustrates yet another embodiment of the presentinvention a system for providing a safe, secure, releasably attachablegrip on a railing, grab bar, or pole. Similar reference numbers are usedto designate similar features. In this embodiment, grip 230 has a skinlayer 232 that can be releasably attached to a railing. Skin layer 232has a first side 236 and a second side 234, which provides acomfortable, secure and safe gripping surface. Skin layer can be formedfrom a variety of materials. Examples of such materials are disclosedabove.

[0054] Referring still to FIG. 4B, skin layer 232 also has a lowersurface, which is releasably attached to the railing or hand supportsystem by a releasable adhesive 238. The releasable adhesive 238 isaffixed (or adhered) to and completely covers skin layer from edge toedge and provides releasable adhesion to the railing or hand supportsystem. Releasable adhesive 238 can be applied to the skin layer 232 byvarious methods known in the art. Examples include wet application,spray application, or pressure sensitive application. The releasableadhesive can be applied to preferably to the entire lower surface of theskin layer, specifically from edge to edge, or in sufficient areas toprovide adhesion to an outer surface of a railing, grab bar, or pole.Releasable adhesive 238 provides secure adhesion to the railing or handsupport system but may be removed with a minimal amount of effort bypeeling grip off the railing or hand support system. Any adhesive havingthe characteristics of being secured to the railing as well as beingeasily removed can be utilized. Any acrylic-based adhesive, rubber-basedadhesive, or silicone-based adhesive can be utilized; a preferredexample of a releasable adhesive is FLEXCON® V-58.

[0055]FIGS. 7A through 7C disclose a method or procedure for manufactureof grip 100. For convenience, the component parts of grip 100 arenumbered as in FIG. 1 designating grip 100. The method or procedure formanufacture of grip 100 begins with the act of FIG. 7A of providing askin layer 104 and applying permanent adhesive 108 to skin layer 104.

[0056] Next, four-way stretchable material layer 112 is permanentlyadhered to skin layer 104 as disclosed in FIG. 7B. As previously setforth, four-way stretchable layer 112 may be comprised of any materialthat can simultaneously stretch in four directions, such as a polyestermaterial; an example is MYLAR®. Then, a releasable adhesive 116 isapplied from edge to edge to four-way stretchable material layer 112, asillustrated in FIG. 7C.

[0057]FIGS. 8A through 8E discloses a method or procedure formanufacture of grip 200. For convenience, the component parts of grip200 are numbered as in FIG. 4A designating grip 200. The method orprocedure for manufacture of grip 200 begins with the act of FIG. 8A ofproviding a skin layer 204 and applying permanent adhesive 208 from edgeto edge of skin layer 204.

[0058] Next, backing layer 212 is permanently adhered to skin layer 204as disclosed in FIG. 8B. As previously set forth, backing layer 212 maybe comprised of any material suitable for providing support includingopen cell foam, closed cell foam, felt, paper or rubber. Next, asdisclosed in FIG. 8C, a permanent adhesive 216 is applied to backinglayer 212. Then, as shown in FIG. 8D, a four- way stretchable layer 220is adhered to backing layer 212. Finally, as disclosed in FIG. 8E, areleasable adhesive 224 is applied from edge to edge to four-waystretchable layer 220.

[0059]FIG. 9 discloses a system of providing a secure, safe, releasablyattachable grip on a railing. The system of the present invention can beutilized with any type of railing or hand support system 302. Grip 300can have a four- way stretchable material layer 304 with an inner andouter surface, skin layer 306 which has an inner layer and an out layer,the inner layer of the skin layer 306 is permanently adhered to theouter surface of the four-way stretchable material layer 304. Four-waystretchable material layer 304 is releasably adhered to railing 302.

[0060]FIG. 10 discloses another embodiment of a system of providing asecure, safe, releasably attachable grip on a railing. The system of thepresent invention can be utilized with any type of railing or handsupport system 402. Grip 400 can have a four-way-stretchable layer 404with an inner and outer surface, backing layer 406 with an inner andouter surface, and skin layer 408 which has an inner surface and anouter surface, the inner surface of the skin layer 408 is permanentlyadhered to the outer surface of the backing layer 406. The inner surfaceof backing layer 406 is permanently adhered to four-way stretchablelayer 404. Four-way stretchable layer 404 is releasably adhered torailing 402.

[0061]FIG. 11 discloses a method of enveloping the railing with the gripof the present invention. While alignment targets can be utilized,another embodiment contemplated does not utilize alignment targets. Inone embodiment, grip 500 can have alignment targets 506 along axis 510parallel to lengthwise edge 508 of grip 500. Next, alignment targets 504are placed on railing 502. Next, grip 500 is placed on the railing sothat the center lengthwise axis of the grip is centered on the axisparallel to the length of railing 502. Next, grip 500 alignment targets506 are aligned with railing 502 alignment targets 504. Finally, grip500 has a width substantially similar to the circumference of railing502 such that when grip 500 is folded around railing 502 edges 508 ofgrip 500 can abut. It is preferable that the edges do not abut oroverlap since this can create an environment for water and germs toinfiltrate. The water can cause the materials to pull away from theouter surface of the railing, pole, or grab bar. The environment createdcan also become a breeding ground for germs.

[0062] In another method of folding, FIG. 12 discloses a method ofcoiling a grip 600 about a railing 602. This can be accomplished on astraight piece of railing or preferably around corners or odd-shapedareas of a railing, pole, or grab bar. Next, grip 600 is coiled, placingthe tapered edge of grip 600 around the railing such that the taperededges of grip 600 overlap. The length of railing 602 may be fullycovered by grip 600 such that the fully covers railing 602 and thethickness of grip 600 remains constant. In an alternative embodiment,grip 600 may be coiled around the railing so that the edges do notoverlap to provide additional friction to the user.

[0063]FIG. 13 illustrates a grip incorporating (or coupled with) a lightemitting means (or light emitter) within the grip.. As stated above, aluminescent material may be used to enhance any graphic material thatmay be on the surface of grips 100 and 200. Other materials that may beused to create this effect include phosphorescent chemicals (e.g.,strontium), low-grade radiant materials, electrically-stimulatedphosphorescent materials, fiber optics, and luminescent pigments. Thesechemicals can be included in the inks used create or outline graphics700 which can be laminated or affixed to the grip surface. Likewise, theluminescence material can be incorporated into the materials (madeintegral with or coupled with the materials) used to create the skinlayer. Additionally, a graphic or design can be applied to or integralwith this luminescence material skin layer, such that, when it isilluminated, the graphic appears. Likewise, a reflective material can beutilized to illuminate an area encompassing a grip of the presentinvention.

[0064] In addition, electrically stimulated materials can also beutilized to create a luminescent effect. Examples of these materialsinclude inks, plastic materials, and fiber optics. A low levelelectrical current may be passed through the grip surfaces to emit lightby, for example, a light-emitting filament 702. An independent powersource such as a battery may be used to provide the current source. Ameans for turning on the current in the presence of no light or lowlight situations, such as a solar switch, can be used to complete thecircuit. Additionally, a pressure sensitive switch can be utilized,which can transmit a signal to a preprogrammed microchip and powersource. Once the light emitting means is activated, the luminescent areactivated.

[0065] Another source of light can be provided by placing the grip overa light emitting back-drop material. In this instance, a flexible lightemitting diode (LED) material can be used. The examples given herein areexamples only, and should not limit the present invention in any way.

[0066]FIG. 14 illustrates a grip 800 incorporated with (or coupled with)textured surfaces. A textured surface can be adhered to or integral withthe grips 100 or 200. Textured surface 802 can be formed from a varietyof materials. For instance, hard rubber, soft rubber, plastics of anytype, woven material, metals, and any other material known in the artsuitable for this purpose. In addition, patterns, such as Braillesymbols for the vision impaired, or safety instructions can be molded,formed, disposed on, machined into, and the like, into the surface ofthe grip. FIG. 16 illustrates the use of Braille symbols 806 on a grip804. The examples given herein are examples only, and should not limitthe present invention in any way.

[0067] A textured surface that is integral with the grip is any shape,design, or aggressive tread pattern that is embossed, stippled,perforated, or formed into the skin layer.

[0068] An additional property of the textured grip is an inherentinsulation effect. The insulating properties as well as the thickness ofthe textured surface 802 acts as a natural insulator. In extremely hotenvironments, the grip acts to remove the thermal energy from therailing or pole to allow for a user to touch the grip. Likewise, in coldenvironments, the grip acts to insulate the user from the lowtemperature of a metal railing or pole.

[0069] In addition, fire retardants such as bromine based retardants,phosphate based retardants, or Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) epoxy canbe disposed on or made integral with the textured surface making thegrip fire resistant and safer for human use.

[0070]FIG. 15 illustrates a grip 900 having sound emitting means (oraudible unit or sound emitter) 902 incorporated within (or coupled with)the grip. Sound-emitting means 902 can be activated in several ways. Apressure sensitive switch can be utilized, which can transmit a signalto a preprogrammed microchip or power source. Once the sound emittingmeans is activated, the speakers that emit the sound are activated. Inone embodiment, each sound unit can be independently powered by batterypack.

[0071] In another embodiment, a solar switch may be used to turn on thesound-emitting means. In this embodiment, when the lights are turnedoff, a signal is sent to a preprogrammed microchip and power source thatturns on the sound emitting means. The examples given herein areexamples only, and should not limit the present invention in any way.

[0072]FIG. 17 illustrates a grip 1000 having visual cues 1002incorporated within (or coupled with) the grip. The visual cues 1002 canbe of any shape 1004 or design 1006 and can include logos 1008 or othergraphics. The visual cues 1002 are designed to visually attract theattention of the user. The examples given herein are examples only, andshould not limit the present invention in any way.

[0073]FIG. 18 illustrates a grip 1010 having germ-fighting agents 1012,such as antibacterial or antimicrobial agents incorporated within (orcoupled with) the grip 1010 to prevent the spread of germs. Theantibacterial or antimicrobial agents can be disposed on or madeintegral with the grip 1010. The antibacterial or antimicrobial agentscan be at various concentrations depending upon the agents utilized andthe environments to which the grip is placed. The antibacterial orantimicrobial agents can be incorporated into graphics disposed on theskin layer, as well. An example of a commonly usedantibacterial/antimicrobial agent is triclosan (a broad spectrumgermicide). Any antibacterial/antimicrobial agent known in the art canbe utilized with the grip. The examples given herein are examples only,and should not limit the present invention in any way.

[0074]FIG. 19 illustrates a grip 1020 having an odor element 1022incorporated within (or coupled with) the grip 1020. The odor element1022 can be any scented or perfumed element, which can incorporate anodor with the surface of the grip that can be released into the air inorder to stimulate the olfactory senses. The smelling element can alsobe integral with the skin layer, such that the entire skin layer has anodor. A common “scratch-and-sniff” element, which allows a user toscratch an area and then smell the desired odor, can be utilized. Theexamples given herein are examples only, and should not limit thepresent invention in any way.

[0075] Considering that the grip can be disposed on railings, grab bars,and pole in relatively high traffic areas, the grip is almost certain tobecome soiled or dirty. It is contemplated that the grip can easily becleaned using common maintenance products. It is also contemplated thatthe grip can retain the cleaning products, or be made integral with thecleaning products, to provide the ability for ease in cleaning andfurther reduce soiling of the grip.

[0076] While the invention has been described with reference to anexemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings without departing from the essential scopethereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited tothe particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated forcarrying out this invention, but that the invention will include allembodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A grip for a railing, grab bar, or pole, therailing, grab bar, or pole having an outer surface, the grip comprising:a body having a first side and a second side opposite said first side; astretchable material having a top surface and a bottom surface oppositesaid top surface, said top surface adhered to said second side of saidbody; and a releasable adhesive disposed on said bottom surface of saidstretchable material, said releasable adhesive configured to adhere tothe outer surface.
 2. The grip of claim 1, wherein said body comprises adistance between said first side and said second side, said distancebeing variable.
 3. The grip of claim 1, further comprising: a lightemitter coupled with said first side of said body.
 4. The grip of claim3, wherein said light emitter is a material selected from the groupconsisting of phosphorescent chemicals, low grade radiant materials,electrically stimulated phosphorescent materials, reflective materials,and luminescent pigments.
 5. The grip of claim 3, wherein said lightemitter is selected from the group consisting of fiber optics andflexible light emitting diodes.
 6. The grip of claim 3, wherein saidlight emitter is configured to activate responsive to pressure.
 7. Thegrip of claim 3, wherein said light emitter is activated in the absenceof light.
 8. The grip of claim 1, further comprising: a texturedmaterial coupled with said first side of said body.
 9. The grip of claim6, wherein said textured material is an insulator.
 10. The grip of claim6, wherein said textured material is formed into Braille languagesymbols.
 11. The grip of claim 6, wherein said textured material is amaterial selected from the group consisting of hard rubbers, softrubbers, plastics, woven materials, and metals.
 12. The grip of claim 1,further comprising: a textured material integral with said body, saidtextured material comprising at least one of shapes, designs, andaggressive tread patterns that is formed by at least one of embossing,stippling, and perforating said body.
 13. The grip of claim 1, whereinsaid body comprises a fire retardant.
 14. The grip of claim 1, furthercomprising: a sound emitter coupled with said first side of said body.15. The grip of claim 14, wherein said sound emitter is configured toactivate responsive to pressure.
 16. The grip of claim 14, wherein saidsound emitter is activated in the absence of light.
 17. The grip ofclaim 14, wherein said sound emitter is independently powered.
 18. Thegrip of claim 1, further comprising: a visual cue coupled with saidfirst side of said body.
 19. The grip of claim 18, wherein said visualcue is selected from the group consisting of alignment targets, logos,graphics, shapes, and designs.
 20. The grip of claim 1, furthercomprising: a germ agent coupled with said first side of said body. 21.The grip of claim 20, wherein said germ agent is at least one ofantibacterial agents and antimicrobial agents.
 22. The grip of claim 1,further comprising: an odor element coupled with said first side of saidbody.
 23. The grip of claim 1, further comprising: a backing layeradhered between said body and said releasable adhesive.
 24. The grip ofclaim 1, wherein the grip substantially covers the outer surface.
 25. Agrip for a railing, grab bar, or pole, the railing, grab bar or polehaving an outer surface, the grip comprising: a body having a first sideand a second side opposite said first side; and a releasable adhesivedisposed on said second side of said body, said releasable adhesiveconfigured to adhere to the outer surface.
 26. The grip of claim 25,wherein said body comprises a distance between said first side and saidsecond side, said distance being variable.
 27. The grip of claim 25,further comprising: a light emitter coupled with said first side of saidbody.
 28. The grip of claim 27, wherein said light emitter is a materialselected from the group consisting of phosphorescent chemicals, lowgrade radiant materials, electrically stimulated phosphorescentmaterials, reflective materials, and luminescent pigments.
 29. The gripof claim 27, wherein said light emitter is selected from the groupconsisting of fiber optics and flexible light emitting diodes.
 30. Thegrip of claim 27, wherein said light emitter is configured to activateresponsive to pressure.
 31. The grip of claim 27, wherein said lightemitter is activated in the absence of light.
 32. The grip of claim 25,further comprising: a textured material coupled with said first side ofsaid body.
 33. The grip of claim 32, wherein said textured material isan insulator.
 34. The grip of claim 32, wherein said textured materialis formed into Braille language symbols.
 35. The grip of claim 32,wherein said textured material is a material selected from the groupconsisting of hard rubbers, soft rubbers, plastics, woven materials, andmetals.
 36. The grip of claim 25, further comprising: a texturedmaterial integral with said body, said textured material comprising atleast one of shapes, designs, and aggressive tread patterns that isformed by at least one of embossing, stippling, and perforating saidbody.
 37. The grip of claim 25, wherein said body comprises a fireretardant.
 38. The grip of claim 25, further comprising: a sound emittercoupled with said first side of said body.
 39. The grip of claim 38,wherein said sound emitter is configured to activate responsive topressure.
 40. The grip of claim 38, wherein said sound emitter isactivated in the absence of light.
 41. The grip of claim 38, whereinsaid sound emitter is independently powered.
 42. The grip of claim 25,further comprising: a visual cue coupled with said first side of saidbody.
 43. The grip of claim 42, wherein said visual cue is selected fromthe group consisting of alignment targets, logos, graphics, shapes, anddesigns.
 44. The grip of claim 25, further comprising: a germ agentcoupled with said first side of said body.
 45. The grip of claim 44,wherein said germ agent is at least one of antibacterial agents andantimicrobial agents.
 46. The grip of claim 25, further comprising: anodor element coupled with said first side of said body.
 47. The grip ofclaim 25, further comprising: a backing layer adhered between said bodyand said releasable adhesive.
 48. The grip of claim 25, furthercomprising: a stretchable layer adhered between said body and saidreleasable adhesive.
 49. The grip of claim 25, wherein the gripsubstantially covers the outer surface.
 50. A method of manufacturing asafety grip for a railing, grab bar, or pole, the railing, grab bar, orpole having an outer surface, the method comprising: adhering a topsurface of a stretchable material having said top surface and a bottomsurface opposite said top surface to a second side of a body with anadhesive, said body having a first side and said second side oppositesaid first side; and applying a releasable adhesive on said bottomsurface of said stretchable material, said releasable adhesiveconfigured to adhere to the outer surface.
 51. The method of claim 50,wherein said body comprises a distance between said first side and saidsecond side, said distance being variable.
 52. The method of claim 50,further comprising: disposing a light emitter coupled with said firstside of said body.
 53. The method of claim 52, wherein said lightemitter is a material selected from the group consisting ofphosphorescent chemicals, low grade radiant materials, electricallystimulated phosphorescent materials, reflective inks, and luminescentpigments.
 54. The method of claim 52, wherein said light emitter isselected from the group consisting of fiber optics and flexible lightemitting diodes.
 55. The method of claim 52, wherein said light emitteris configured to activate responsive to pressure.
 56. The method ofclaim 52, wherein said light emitter is activated in the absence oflight.
 57. The method of claim 50, further comprising: disposing atextured material coupled with said first side of said body.
 58. Themethod of claim 57, wherein said textured material is an insulator. 59.The method of claim 57, wherein said textured material is formed intoBraille language symbols.
 60. The method of claim 57, wherein saidtextured material is a material selected from the group consisting ofhard rubbers, soft rubbers, plastics, woven materials, and metals. 61.The method of claim 50, further comprising: a textured material integralwith said body, said textured material comprising at least one ofshapes, designs, and aggressive tread patterns that is formed by atleast one of embossing, stippling, and perforating said body.
 62. Themethod of claim 50, wherein said body comprises a fire retardant. 63.The method of claim 50, further comprising: disposing a sound emittercoupled with said first side of said body.
 64. The method of claim 63,wherein said sound emitter is configured to activate responsive topressure.
 65. The method of claim 63, wherein said sound emitter isactivated in the absence of light.
 66. The method of claim 63, whereinsaid sound emitter is independently powered.
 67. The method of claim 50,further comprising: disposing a visual cue coupled with said first sideof said body.
 68. The method of claim 67, wherein said visual cue isselected from the group consisting alignment targets, logos, graphics,shapes, and designs.
 69. The method of claim 50, further comprising:disposing a germ agent coupled with said first side of said body. 70.The method of claim 69, wherein said germ agent is at least one ofantibacterial agents and antimicrobial agents.
 71. The method of claim50, further comprising: an odor element coupled with said first side ofsaid body.
 72. The method of claim 50, further comprising: a backinglayer adhered between said body and said releasable adhesive.
 73. Amethod of manufacturing a safety grip for a railing, grab bar, or pole,the railing, grab bar, or pole having an outer surface, the methodcomprising: applying a releasable adhesive on a second side of a body,said body having a first side and said second side opposite said firstside, and said releasable adhesive configured to adhere to the outersurface.
 74. The method of claim 73, wherein said body comprises adistance between said first side and said second side, said distancebeing variable.
 75. The method of claim 73, further comprising:disposing a light emitter coupled with said first side of said body. 76.The method of claim 75, wherein said light emitter is a materialselected from the group consisting of phosphorescent chemicals, lowgrade radiant materials, electrically stimulated phosphorescentmaterials, reflective materials, and luminescent pigments.
 77. Themethod of claim 75, wherein said light emitter is selected from thegroup consisting of fiber optics and flexible light emitting diodes. 78.The method of claim 75, wherein said light emitter is configured toactivate responsive to pressure.
 79. The method of claim 75, whereinsaid light emitter is activated in the absence of light.
 80. The methodof claim 73, further comprising: disposing a textured material coupledwith said first side of said body.
 81. The method of claim 80, whereinsaid textured material is an insulator.
 82. The method of claim 80,wherein said textured material is formed into Braille language symbols.83. The method of claim 80, wherein said textured material is a materialselected from the group consisting of hard rubbers, soft rubbers,plastics, woven materials, and metals.
 84. The method of claim 73,further comprising: a textured material integral with said body, saidtextured material comprising at least one of shapes, designs, andaggressive tread patterns that is formed by at least one of embossing,stippling, and perforating said body.
 85. The method of claim 73,wherein said body comprises a fire retardant.
 86. The method of claim73, further comprising: disposing a sound emitter coupled with saidfirst side of said body.
 87. The method of claim 86, wherein said soundemitter is configured to activate responsive to pressure.
 88. The methodof claim 86, wherein said sound emitter is activated in the absence oflight.
 89. The method of claim 86, wherein said sound emitter isindependently powered.
 90. The method of claim 73, further comprising:disposing a visual cue coupled with said first side of said body. 91.The method of claim 90, wherein said visual cue is selected from thegroup consisting alignment targets, logos, graphics, shapes, anddesigns.
 92. The method of claim 73, further comprising: disposing agerm agent coupled with said first side of said body.
 93. The method ofclaim 92, wherein said germ agent is at least one of antibacterialagents and antimicrobial agents.
 94. The method of claim 73, furthercomprising: an odor element coupled with said first side of said body.95. The method of claim 73, further comprising: a backing layer adheredbetween said body and said releasable adhesive.
 96. A system forproviding a secure, safe, releasably attachable grip on a railing, grabbar, or pole having an outer surface, the system comprising: astretchable material having a top surface and a bottom surface oppositesaid top surface, said bottom surface releasably adhered to the outersurface; and a body adhered to said top surface of said stretchablematerial, said body having a first side and a second side opposite saidfirst side.
 97. A system for providing a secure, safe, releasablyattachable grip on a railing, grab bar, or pole having an outer surface,the system comprising: a releasable adhesive adhered to a second side ofa body, said body having a first side and said second side opposite saidfirst side, said body releasably adhered to the outer surface.
 98. Amethod of folding a grip on a railing, grab bar, or pole having an outersurface, the method comprising: disposing the grip on the outer surface,the grip comprising a body having a first side and a second sideopposite said first side, a stretchable material having a top surfaceand a bottom surface opposite said top surface, said top surface adheredto said second side of said body, and a releasable adhesive disposed onsaid bottom surface of said stretchable material, said releasableadhesive configured to adhere to the outer surface; and folding saidgrip around said outer surface.
 99. The method of claim 98, wherein thegrip substantially covers the outer surface.
 100. A method of folding agrip on a railing, grab bar, or pole having an outer surface, the methodcomprising: disposing the grip around the outer surface, the gripcomprising a body having a first side and a second side opposite saidfirst side, said body comprises a distance between said first side andsaid second side, said distance being variable, and a releasableadhesive disposed on said second side of said body, said releasableadhesive configured to adhere to the outer surface; and folding saidgrip around said outer surface.
 101. The method of claim 100, whereinthe grip substantially covers the outer surface.
 102. A method offolding a grip on a railing, grab bar, or pole having an outer surface,the method comprising: providing the grip, the grip comprising a bodyhaving a first side and a second side opposite said first side, saidbody having a first set of alignment targets disposed on said firstside, a stretchable material having a top surface and a bottom surfaceopposite said top surface, said top surface adhered to said second sideof said body, and a releasable adhesive disposed on said bottom surfaceof said stretchable material, said releasable adhesive configured toadhere to the outer surface; disposing a second set of alignment targetson the outer surface; aligning said first set of said alignment targetswith said second set of said alignment targets; disposing the grip onthe outer surface; and folding the grip around the outer surface. 103.The method of claim 102, wherein the grip substantially covers the outersurface.
 104. A method of folding a grip on a railing or pole having anouter surface, the method comprising: providing the grip, the gripcomprising a body having a first side and a second side opposite saidfirst side, said body having a first set of alignment targets disposedon said first side, and a releasable adhesive disposed on said secondside of said body, said releasable adhesive configured to adhere to theouter surface; disposing a second set of alignment targets on the outersurface; aligning said first set of said alignment targets with saidsecond set of said alignment targets; disposing the grip on the outersurface; and folding the grip around the outer surface.
 105. The methodof claim 104, wherein the grip substantially covers the outer surface.